Laverne Cox, who portrays Sophia Burset on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, is speaking out on President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. government will no longer “accept or allow” transgender people to serve in the military.
The 45-year-old actress, who is transgender, claims that the new policy sends a message to trans Americans that they are considered “less valuable” in the country.
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“I have met many transgender Americans over the years who have served or are currently serving our country in the military. I have heard from them humiliating stories of being misgendered and experiencing various kinds of mistreatment when they are willing to put their lives on the line in ways many of us would never do including our current President,” Cox said in a statement given to THR.
“This latest reversal of another Obama administration policy continues to send the message to trans Americans that our lives, our safety and service are less valuable and unwanted in this country, the country I love and hold so dear. Let’s all come together and send the message to trans Americans that despite what this president and administration proclaims that trans lives, safety and service are valuable, that they matter.”
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President Trump’s new announcement came early on Wednesday morning. In a series of tweets, the former Apprentice star wrote:
“After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you.”
After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
….Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
….victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
Cox isn’t the only celebrity to weigh in on the transgender military ban. Check out other heated reactions from the Hollywood stars here.
Photo Credit: Getty / Jamie McCarthy
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